Weight Loss FAQs

Humans were never designed to be thin. Our ancient ancestors were hunters constantly seeking food in order to survive.

The hunger control center of our brain told us to eat as much food as we could find because food was in short supply.

Humans have evolved in many ways since then - but our brain's hunger control center still works much the same as ever.

Fast forward 195,000 years: Famines are rare and we no longer hunt for our food - but our genetics are slow to adjust.

Our brains are still programmed to look for food all day and store up fat for lean times. THIS is why we gain weight!

Overcome those genetically programmed cravings and YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT and keep it off. How? Just come and see Dr. B!

Q.

Do you have to live in South Florida to be a patient of Dr. Besen?

A.

No. We have many patients that maintain their primary residence in other parts of the United States, Central America, South America, Russia or Europe. However, they do have to be seen in the office on a certain schedule in order to qualify for appetite control medications. Please call our office for further information.

Q.

How much weight can I lose and how quickly?

A.

Patients lose on average 4 to 7 pounds (2 to 4 kilograms) the first two weeks on the program. Most people can lose 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) per week long term. This is a healthy and safe rate of weight loss. Beware of people or products that promise large amounts of weight loss in short periods of time. These people are usually "rapid weight loss" scam artists who just want to take your money and risk your health! Dr. Besen is a "real" weight loss doctor who cares for the health and safety of all his patients.

Q.

What languages do we speak?

A.

Our office can communicate with you in English and Spanish. If you do not speak these languages we suggest you have someone accompany you who can interpret for you. We want you to learn all the wonderful things we can teach you and have a clear understanding of all this information that will help guide you through your weight loss program.

Q.

What age range does Dr. Besen treat?

A.

Dr. Besen can see patients as young as 10 years old. There is no upper age limit to losing weight; however, you must be in reasonable health to participate in the program. The doctor will determine if you are eligible.

Q.

Will my current medical conditions improve when I lose weight?

A.

Many medical conditions can improve when you lose weight. Examples include hypertension, diabetes, heartburn, headaches, constipation, fatigue, back pains, leg swelling, sleep apnea and elevated fats in the blood and liver as well as depression.

Q.

Am I a candidate for appetite control medications?

A.

Most people can safely take appetite control medications even if they are currently taking medications for cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, intestinal disorders or many other medical problems. However, some medications or medical conditions are not compatible with appetite control medications. Please advise the clinic of your current medical conditions and medications (if any) when you first call the office.

Dr. Besen will see you at the first visit and then about every 2 weeks for the first month to adjust and fine tune your program. After the first month of follow-up visits, he will see you about every month. You always see Dr. Besen at every doctor visit and he will always give you plenty of time to fully discuss your program, how to improve your weight loss, and try to answer all your questions.

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Q.

Is it difficult to get a first time appointment or a return appointment?

A.

Dr. Besen believes that when you need to see the doctor you should not have to wait. We frequently see patients on the same day they call or at their earliest convenience.

Q.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

A.

Please bring all your medications, vitamins and supplements you currently take.

Q.

Does Dr. Besen call you back (return phone calls) or follow-up regarding questions you might have?

A.

Yes! We are unlike many other doctors' offices who do not always return your calls in a timely fashion. We will call you back as soon as possible and we always follow up!

Q.

Are we experienced at drawing blood for your blood tests?

A.

Yes! We pride ourselves at being gentle and not hurting our patients when we draw blood. Most results come back to our office the following day.

Q.

If I have had a Gastric Band, Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass Surgery procedure in the past, am I a candidate for Dr. Besen's program?

A.

Yes, Dr. Besen has many patients that have had these surgical procedures in the past and are currently losing additional weight in combination with his program.

Q.

Why did I start to put on weight 3 to 4 years after my gastric surgery or procedure?

A.

Some people find that they start to put some of the weight back on that they lost when they first had their surgical procedure. If this happens, it typically starts in the third or fourth year after surgery. Dr. Besen can help you to understand some of the reasons this can occur and what to do to control this issue.